Fire Fighters

One of the primary hazards of being a firefighter is low back pain. Firefighters main activities include the use of fire hoses, manual lifting, and the use of heavy tools for fire rescues. Other factors that cause low back pain may include, climbing ladders, lifting weights, moving the body while wearing heavy gear, stretching the body, or excessive firefighting work.

They are often forced into awkward activities in cramped quarters. Almost all of their physical activity on the job involves risks of musculoskeletal disorders that can be corrected, prevented or helped by performing isometric exercises. A study by the National Institute of Health on the effect of isometric exercises on actual firefighters showed an increase in abdominal strength and a decrease in back pain following regular isometric exercise.